VISITING CLUBS ROUND KNARESBOROUGH

By Brian Sanderson,

    I decided to visit some clubs in the Nidderdale League however they do not start till 2 .00 P.M.So went to Knaresborough for my lunch at 1.00P.M. as this is the starting times for Airedale @ Wharfedale matches. I last visited this ground over 30 years ago when I played in a seven a side cricket tournament.Knaresborough Seconds were playing Pool Seconds.One of Knaresborough players was Mike Baxendale who I played with at Yorkshire Bank.

This is a photograph of Mike with the white hair.Moving on we went to Staveley who were playing North Stainley. The away side had  seven men to start with but  two other players after a few overs. One of the players had driven from Southampton that morning to play.That is dedication.

It is not the easiest ground to find and I missed it first time and had to turn the car round on a wet  muddy lane. The car is now splattered with mud.Next match was Burton Leonard who were playing Staveley first team.

I had visired this ground about two years ago.Near to the ground is tennis courts and a bowling green so there was plenty of cars about.The next ground was a new one to me Markington who were playing Lofthouse @ Middleton.You have to cross over a bridge to enter the ground.

A nice village ground with a 1930,s pavilion.Next ground we visited was Markington who were playing Little Ribston. We arrived at about 4.00P.M. and the match was over as one side was bowled out for 44.Another wet ground and more mud.

This is a photograph of the players putting the screen on the ground to  stop it blowing over. Next ground was Galphay@Winksley which was a ground I had not seen cricket on before. They were playing Scotton on a beautiful country ground.

This is a typical Nidderdale ground with the scorers outside and the sunshining.Next ground was Studley Royal who were playing Darley.This pavilion is a newly built and has electric scoreboard.

The wicket is in a bowl and about seventy yards from the pavilion.The last ground we visited about a mile away was Ripon were their seconds were playing Kirkby Malzard.

This club is one of the oldest in Yorkshire and used to host Yorkshire Seconds matches. It is situated next to the Rugby Union club and can be seen through the trees.

Tomorrow is a early start as I am going to see Yorkshire play at Northampton so back to sitting in stadiums away from open spaces and muddy lanes.